10 Children’s Birthday Presents with a Difference.

Continuing with the birthday themed posts so far this month, I have put together a list of birthday presents for children that are bit different from a traditional toy/book/game.

They are some things that I like to buy or make as a present as they are a little different from the standard gift and they all come under $20 (Australian).

(1). A Toolbox
Age: 3 – 6
Gender: Both
I buy a small tool box and then purchase small tools like a hammer and screw driver to put int the tool box. Most hardware stores or discount stores stock these mini sized tools.

I also buy nails (clouts to be specific as they have a large head and makes it easier for the kids to hit it), screws, nuts and bolts. The nuts and bolts provide a great fine motor activity as they screw the bolt on and off.

To give the children something to hammer and screw into, I provide to the parent a section of an old tree stump (which has been weathered from sitting in our wood pile). This makes a soft wood surface for the kids to work with.

All my children have had a toolbox of their own at some stage, Babaganouski has actually started hammering some nails into the stump already. The idea of young children with nails etc may seem a little scary, but as a supervised activity and being taught safety lessons first, we have not had any accidents (other than a few sore thumbs).

(2). Black Paper and Metallic Crayons/Pencils
Age: 3 – 6
Gender: Both
This is a home style packaged gift as well. I buy a notepad/s of black paper and then buy Crayola Metallic Crayons and Pencils Crayola metallic coloured pencils

I then purchase a decorative tin to place all the items in. The metallic colours on the black paper make for gorgeous creations.

(3). A Little Cook’s Set
Age: 1 -3
Gender: Both
You can buy these types of things already put together, but you usually just get an apron and maybe two other items. By pulling it together myself, I think the child gets a much better gift for the same price.

I generally purchase these items from a large retail chain’s kitchen utensil section and buy:
– a small grater
– pair of small tongs
– small whisk
– small ladle
– small sifter

I then wrap them up in a colourful children’s apron and have a little cooks set to give away. Having their own right sized utensils is a great way to get kids helping in the kitchen.

(4). A Photo Story Book
Age: 0 – 6
Gender: Both
This one takes some prior planning, and it something that I like to do for my nephews and very close children’s friends who I see frequently.

In the few months leading up to their birthday, I inconspicuously take photos of the child on their own, with my kids, with their mum/dad/siblings, doing their favourite things and of any other important things in their life.

I then choose the best 10 – 12 photos and compile them into a photo book. I get my children to help write a little story connecting the photos and then create a cardboard front and back page. The birthday child is then the star of their very own story.

(5). Design your own t-shirt
Age: 3 – 8
Gender: Both
This is very simple to put together, but my kids love designing their own t-shirts. I purchase a plain white t-shirt to fit that child and then some Crayola Fabric Crayons.

To design their own t-shirt, the child simply draws on the t-shirt and then mum/dad irons the print with a cloth over the top and the design becomes permanent.

(6). Library Bag and Book
Age: 4 – 6
Gender: Both
If you were clever and crafty like some of my friends, you could easily make a library bag out of some gorgeous vintage fabric and then place an age appropriate book in side and you don’t even have to wrap the gift.

If however like me you would prefer to buy a library bag, you can check outetsy or ebay.

(7). Mini Card Making Kit
Age: 6 – 10
Gender: Girl (could fit a boy depending on what you bought, I have only ever made a girl kit)
I buy a cheap colourful cardboard box and place in it a Paper Shapers Butterfly Punch, an assortment of pastel card, a small set of gel pens and some double sided tape . Everything a girl would need to begin making her own cards!

(8). Outdoor Kit
Age: 4 – 8
Gender: Both
These are great ideas for kids whose family are active outdoors. I combine a child size resort chair with a small hand held torch. Even if the family doesn’t venture too far from their own backyard, kids love having their “own” things that they can use at a BBQ or party.

(9). Bike Odometer
Age: 6 – 10
Gender: Both
Obviously the child would need to have bike, but Little Rascal received one when he turned 6 and he loves to look at how far and how fast he has travelled using his Bike Odometer

(10). Active Pack
Age: 6 – 10
Gender: Both
This gift is perfect for those kids who don’t like to sit still. I put together a hula hoop, skipping rope and Frisbee or ball, and because I am bit obsessive I like to have a similar colour of each, so it looks like a set.

What are your favourite gifts to give to children on their birthday?